Why does he continue to take runs at Malkin every game? Why does someone on the Pens not just pummel this guy, make him learn a lesson. It seems every game these two teams play O trys to destroy Malkin

Even in the third period of the most recent game, Sid cut though the middle with the puck (it was probably the only scoring chance of the period for the Pens) - and AO just watched Sid skate by him, in his own zone. Now if that were Malkin....

Who cares? The rivalry between the teams is great. The rivalry between AO and Malkin makes it all the better. The NHL actually needs two of their super stars to be in a feud with each other. It makes for good TV and news.

I think the rivalry stems from Malkin giving AO a negative youtube comment on his finding a girlfriend video.

I would think that it if it were due to Ovechkin showing his competitive nature by showing he's the boss on the ice, I'm surprised he doesn't take those runs at Crosby. That is why I think it's personal either between something personal between those two or by Ovechkin being nationalistic trying to show that he's the best Russian hockey player in the world.

There's no doubt that he was targeting Malkin this past game. Malkin needs to cross-check him in the face or do some Slava Fetisov stick work on him the next time Ovy comes out of no where on those hits. Keep the butt end of the stick out a few inches and bust the rest of Ovy's teeth out. This is where the Biz Nasty's and Godard's really don't help. This is where you need a D-man (like how Kasparaitis used to) to fly out of no where with a hip check. I doubt Ovy would be pulling this crap on our team if we had an Ulf Samuellson type back on D (telling Ovy - "Do you want to end up like Cam Neely? Well, knock the crap off."

i remember when Malkin came over the Pens were in DC and Malkin went out to the Caps practice (before the Pens went on) and Ovy saw him and went over and talked to him and was friendly - also Ovy said Malkin would win the Calder after he did- not sure if something happened that went sour or maybe Ovy is just tired of losing to Geno

its not a big deal, because all ao did all night was run around and take himself out of the play. if not for the pens sleepwalking in the third, they win that game. if ao does that against the pens, they win 9 times out of 10, hands down.

It is a big deal because he is taking runs at one of our best players and he could end up hurting him. I don't care if he's the MVP. He needs to be straightened out so it doesn't keep happening. I am with the guy earlier here. Let Malkin elbow him hard in the chops. I don't like cheap shots but this is more self defense. That message needs to be sent next time they play.

Nice name, guy above me. I think it's just a rivalry turned into a healthy hatred. The NHL is desperately trying to make Crosby-Ovechkin a rivalry for marketing, but the two are basically indifferent, if mutually respectful, to each other. Malkin-Ovechkin is the real rivalry, that's what they should play with in marketing, they'd have more material.

dman66 wrote:its not a big deal, because all ao did all night was run around and take himself out of the play. if not for the pens sleepwalking in the third, they win that game. if ao does that against the pens, they win 9 times out of 10, hands down.

And when AO takes out Malkin with a long-term injury, that really benefits us then...

dman66 wrote:its not a big deal, because all ao did all night was run around and take himself out of the play. if not for the pens sleepwalking in the third, they win that game. if ao does that against the pens, they win 9 times out of 10, hands down.

And when AO takes out Malkin with a long-term injury, that really benefits us then...

as i have stated numerous times since after the game, ao will get his one day. he's gonna hit the wrong person and some clown like downie or jansen will run him. then how will that help the caps? malkins a big boy. he can handle himself and handle ao when the opportunity presents itself

The Hockey Night in Canada broadcast tonight, the guys even commented on the 'rivalry'. They didn't give any specifics, but spoke as if there is very real animosity there. In fact, they were saying that it could be problems on the Olympic team, as the Russians are going to want the both of them, and they probably won't agree to play together.

You have to think, given that O didn't run anyone else, like Crosby, that it has to be something more than just hockey.